HTB throws you
in the deep end.
TryHackMe builds
you up to it.
Trying to break into cyber security? TryHackMe blends guided paths, browser-based labs, and real certifications so you can go from zero experience to job-ready - without the frustration of figuring it all out alone.
Free Forever. No Credit Card.
Runs in your Browser.
AT A GLANCE
Why TryHackMe Wins
HTB is built for people who already know. TryHackMe builds the people who don’t.
Reasons beginners choose TryHackMe over HackTheBox:
Start in minutes, not hours
HTB's free browser access gives you a single 2-hour trial session - after that, you're downloading VPN clients and spinning up VMs. With TryHackMe, open your browser and your first lab is already waiting. No config. No friction. No time limit.
Start your first free room
Built for beginners, taken seriously by employers
HTB puts you in the deep end with no guided direction. TryHackMe's career paths walk you from your first concept to a performance-based certification - the kind that hiring teams at Google, KPMG, and Accenture actually recognise.
Explore career paths
One price. Everything unlocked.
HTB charges $25/month for Labs - then another $490/year if you want structured content. TryHackMe gives you every path, every room, and every lab from $10.50/month. No pay-per-module. No surprise costs.
See what's included
The world's largest cyber learning community
HTB's no-spoiler policy leaves beginners fending for themselves. TryHackMe's 353K Discord has dedicated hint channels and room-specific help threads. With 7M+ learners, you're never figuring it out alone.
Join the DiscordHEAD-TO-HEAD
TryHackMe vs HackTheBox
A factual, feature-by-feature comparison for learners evaluating both platforms.
extra $490/yr
Guided from lesson one - no experience needed
Steep learning curve - Labs assume prior knowledge
100% browser-based, no downloads
Browser access limited to a one-time 2-hr free trial - VPN + VM needed beyond that
9+ career paths included (SOC, Jr Pen Tester, Red Team & more)
Main Labs is self-directed - structured paths need a separate Academy subscription
350-500 free rooms + 1hr/day lab access
~11 free machines + 30 Academy cubes - walkthroughs locked behind paid tier
From $10.50/mo (annual) - everything included
From $25/mo for Labs only - Academy is an
extra $490/yr
SEC1, SAL1, PT1 - practical, entry-level exams
CPTS, CWES, CDSA + 4 more - stronger industry track record, paid add-ons
353K Discord with hints and room-help channels - beginner-welcoming
No-spoiler policy on active machines - competitive, self-directed community
HTB’s model often requires purchasing modules separately. For consistent learners, the cost difference adds up fast.
YOUR JOURNEY
From zero to job-ready. Step by step.
Start from zero. Follow a structured path. Land the job. Here's exactly how it works.
WHAT LEARNERS SAY
Real people.
Real careers.
From career-switchers to first-time SOC analysts - here's what TryHackMe learners are saying.
“I started my journey in security with hackthebox but it had so many paid machines and it was hard, later I discovered Tryhackme. I initially wanted to exploit only eternal blue in start but now I am loving it.”Vishal Rawat
“From an absolute beginner perspective, just getting the toes wet, for example linux for beginners rooms are great compared to hack-the-box where the instructions are vague and you struggle for hours to j…”Michiel Adriaansens
“I think tryhackme is an amazing platform for learning cyber security and ethical hacking. It makes things fun and enteractive. The subscription is definitely worth it… better than HTB.”netcatsyn
FAQS
Questions learners ask us.
Straight answers for anyone evaluating TryHackMe vs Hack The Box.